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Home , Lautaro (volcano), Malleco Province, Santiago

2020 Crime & Safety Report

This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in . OSAC encourages travelers to use this report to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in Chile. For more in-depth information, review OSAC’s country-specific page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Travel Advisory

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Chile at 2, indicating travelers should exercise increased caution due to civil unrest. The Department downgraded the Advisory Level from Level 1 due to the ongoing Chilean civil unrest that began in October 2019. The deteriorated security situation is likely to continue for the near future. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Santiago as being a HIGH-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

Crime Threats

The security environment in Chile is moderately safe, with comparatively less violent crime than other Latin American countries. Pickpocketing, telephone scams, vehicle thefts, and residential break-ins are the most common crimes against tourists and resident foreigners. Violent crime also occurs, most often in the form of carjacking, home invasion, and mugging; express and traditional kidnapping and random shootings are almost non-existent.

According to Carabineros statistics from December 2019, in the Eastern area of the Metropolitan Region, (the boroughs of , , , and , which are the commercial center of Santiago and higher-income neighborhoods), violent crimes (i.e. theft with violence, theft with intimidation, robbery with surprise, injury, homicide, and rape) have risen in 7% since 2018. The national Crime statistics do not account for civil unrest in the second half of 2019. The Government of Chile will only release final numbers for 2019 at the end of the first quarter of 2020.

Carabineros statistics show that theft with violence went from 344 cases in 2018 to 375 in 2019, a 9% rise; and theft with intimidation went from 1,082 cases in 2018 to 1,168 cases in 2019, an 8% rise. Homicide went down from three cases in 2018 to no cases in 2019. Cases of rape reported rose from 31 in 2018 to 46 cases in 2019, a 48% rise.

In relation to crimes against property (i.e. vehicle theft, theft of objects or accessories from the interior of the vehicle, robbery of an inhabited place, robbery of an uninhabited place, and other robberies with force and theft), cases went down 4%, from 18,615 in 2018 to 18,168 in 2019. Robbery of inhabited property went up 1% from 1,321 to 1,339 cases. Robbery of an uninhabited property went down 17%, from 1,130 to 933 cases. Chile 2020 Crime & Safety Report

Vehicle theft went down 1%, from 745 cases to 737; and theft of objects or accessories from the interior of the vehicle from 4,633 cases in 2018 to 4,132 in 2019.

Overall, the Eastern has had a 2% decrease in crime, from 18,615 cases in 2018 to 18168 for 2019. The Public Prosecutor’s Office and Chilean police agencies cite increased cooperation between municipal governments as the main reason for decreased crime.

The three regions with the highest increase in crime from 2018 (in the period of January to August) are the and Region (15%), General Carlos Ibáñez Region del Campo (14%), and (7%). Of the country’s 16 regions, five presented decreases overall crime. Those with the greatest decreases were Araucanía Region (5%), Biobío Region (3%) and Tarapacá Region (2%).

Metropolitan Santiago criminal statistics from January to August 2019 present an increase of 5.3% compared to 2018. Nearly 50% of all crime in the country occurs in the capital region.

It is common for to return home from work after dark and to leave Santiago altogether on weekends; most break-ins occur when residences are empty. Summer vacation for students and many Chilean employees start around December 18 and last through early March; this is the peak residential break-in season. The number of violent residential break-ins remained the same in 2019. When residents are home, burglars use bats, knives, and firearms as intimidation. One tactic involves binding the feet and hands of residents and placing them in a closet while burglars take valuables. Apartments with 24-hour concierges are less likely targets.

Non-violent pickpocketing is more common in Santiago than in other areas of the country, although it may happen anywhere. In downtown Santiago, the risk of being a victim of pickpocketing increases on weekends and after dark. Purse snatching and pickpocketing are more prevalent in crowded, tourist locations, pedestrian shopping areas, subway stations, and terminals, and on crowded and the metro. Criminals often work in pairs, with one distracting the victim with a motion or sound while the other steals the victim’s property. Restaurants, pubs, food courts, and major hotel chains are also popular locations for theft of purses, backpacks, briefcases, and laptops. Be aware of groups of youths, who frequently work together to distract people and then rob them. It is common for thieves to dress in a suit and tie to blend in. Review OSAC’s report, All That You Should Leave Behind.

The following are some common criminal trends in Chile:

• The “Mustard Trick” happens in airports, public buildings, and on the streets. Someone “accidentally” spills a substance or notices a foreign substance on your clothes. While you are occupied dealing with the problem, an accomplice steals your valuables.

• "Motoclock" is a new type of crime mainly characterized by subjects assaulting their victims, specifically snatching watches of great value and fleeing on a motorcycle. In practice, criminals enter as customers in various places, such as bars and restaurants; they observe their potential victims, identifying people who wear expensive watches. Once they identify a victim, the criminals wait for them in the vicinity, usually in places with few people. In some cases, they move on motorcycles Chile 2020 Crime & Safety Report

without a license plate, wearing helmets and carrying firearms, proceeding to intimidate the victim and snatch only the watch that they carry.

• “Maletazos” is another new criminal trend. Criminals, usually armed, stand outside of hotel entrances. Once taxis or vans pull up to drop off tourists, criminals wait for victims to unload luggage and grab the bags, throwing them into a get-away car.

In 2019, reports continued of ATMs blown up by so-called “gas-saturation” in order to steal money. This method entails filling the ATM vestibule with gas fumes and exploding the machine. Often, the criminals destroy the money during these attempts, but sometimes they do not. Usually, these attempts occur in the very late evening hours; on some occasions, criminals have warned people away from the ATMs before exploding them.

A “portonazo” refers to a carjacking or robbery attempt while a car is pulling into or out of a ‘porton’ (car gate). There were so many high-profile stories of portonazos in 2017, the government created a task force within the Carabineros to address the problem. As a result, these crimes have immigrated to other boroughs such as La Florida and .

Two-thirds of carjacking occurs between 2100 and 0200 in the morning. Attackers armed with guns or knives attack in groups of three, with at least one minor involved. In 2019, the age group continued to be predominantly between 14 and 29. The majority of carjacking occurred when the owners were entering their homes through a gate.

There has been a rise in cases where criminals stop vehicles driving on public roads or at exits from highways in Santiago. Other vehicle-related crimes include thieves reaching through open windows to steal valuables and incidents of smash-and-grabs. Criminals have also broken into cars left unattended on the street, even in affluent areas.

There has been a rise in gang thefts in malls, especially Parque Arauco in Las Condes, Casa Costanera in Vitacura, and Costanera Centre in Providencia. Criminals specifically target jewelry and high-end stores. Groups of four to six criminals arrive in expensive vehicles, usually well dressed and accompanied by at least one minor. These groups usually carry firearms, and will strike during the day regardless of number of clients in the mall.

There has also been an increase in robberies in the eastern sector of the , particularly Las Condes, Vitacura, and Providencia. Armed groups have injured guards, and use getaway vehicles for access to highways.

Phone scams are common. In most cases, someone will telephone and state that you have won a prize, claim a family member has been in an accident or kidnapped, or insist that the caller is working in your bank and needs your banking/credit card information. Do not give financial information to anyone you do not know over the phone. Review OSAC’s report, Kidnapping: The Basics

Credit card fraud remains a concern. Police have uncovered various networks engaged in cloning credit cards and producing fraudulent blank credit cards. Some restaurants have been caught scanning clients Chile 2020 Crime & Safety Report

credit cards through skimmers. Review OSAC’s reports, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud and Taking Credit.

Cybersecurity Issues

Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling with Mobile Devices: Trends & Best Practices, and Satellite Phones: Critical or Contraband?

Transportation-Safety Situation

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Road conditions throughout most of Chile are outstanding by South American standards, and are comparable to U.S. roads. Road names are well marked on city streets and highways. Traffic lights and pedestrian signals work well, but drivers do not always obey the rules.

Do not turn right at red lights. Secondary and mountain roads may suffer from poor maintenance and lighting, and may lack guardrails. Some primary roads to remote tourist attractions are not paved, but are generally maintained well, with graded gravel. Many drivers do not signal lane changes and rarely yield to merging traffic. Many drivers exceed posted speed limits, do not maintain safe distances, and do not observe posted road signs. Major arteries in Santiago may switch directions during morning and evening rush hours. Major highways in and around Santiago collect tolls with an electronic transmitter; without one, carry sufficient Chilean pesos to pay frequent highway tolls.

Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.

Exercise caution when driving or walking in/around Santiago. Since vehicles parked on the streets are vulnerable to break-ins in just about any neighborhood, day or night, vehicles should park in illuminated areas or in off-street parking facilities.

Public Transportation Conditions

Generally, taxis are safe means of transportation, and drivers use meters. Maintain alert whenever exchanging money with drivers. Some taxi drivers have passed counterfeit money, intentionally shortchanged, over charged, or stolen from unsuspecting passengers. Avoid using unmetered taxis.

To use the public bus system in Santiago, you need to obtain the prepaid “Bip” card, which you can also use on the subway. Be particularly alert when using the subway and buses, as pickpocketing and muggings occur. Review OSAC’s report, Security In Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.

Chile 2020 Crime & Safety Report

Terrorism Threat

Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Santiago as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Ongoing, small-scale domestic terrorist activity attributed to anarchists includes improvised explosive devices (IED) detonations at government institutions, , and churches, and in public areas.

In 2019, police reported nine IED attacks, mainly in the capital. Most of the IEDs involved black powder placed inside a fire extinguisher with a time-activated detonation trigger. These incidents typically intend to cause damage to a building and make a political statement while minimizing the possibility of injury or death to passersby.

However there have been isolated cases which indicate otherwise. In 2017, for the first time, the ecoterrorism group “Individualists Tending to the Wild (ITS)” claimed responsibility for the explosion of a device in a package sent to the Vice Present of the Chilean National Corporation of Copper, . In this case, the group was protesting against the exploitation of Chile’s natural resources. The second incident involved the targeting of an individual. In July 2019, two devices arrived at two different addresses; one to the Carabineros 54th Comisaría in , where the device exploded, injuring 8 officers and serious damaging an office in the Comisaría; and the other to the office of the ex-Interior Secretary in Enrique Foster, Las Condes, which the Carabineros tactical team deactivated. Both cases continue to be under investigation.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

Civil Unrest

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Santiago as being a MEDIUM-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Freedoms of speech and assembly are important rights in Chile. Marches and demonstrations are relatively common, and generally occur with permission from the authorities on designated routes. In addition, there are a few traditional days for demonstrations, such as (the anniversary of the 1973 overthrow of the Allende Government) and March 29 (the Day of the Young Combatant). Although marches and protests usually commence peacefully, they can turn violent, with participants throwing rocks, Molotov cocktails, and acid at the police, who resort to tear gas and water cannons. Incidents such as these have resulted in several million dollars’ worth of damage to surrounding businesses, and vandalism of street signs and streetlights.

In October 2019, a 30-peso rise in Metro fares sparked fare evasions, student protests, and an eventual uprising culminating with the burning of several metros stations and the headquarters of the ENEL Conglomerate of electric energy companies. Since then, there have been continuing protests and attacks against government buildings, police stations, universities, supermarkets, banks, stores, and hotels. These have been nationwide protests across the country, with the worst protests being in Santiago, Valparaiso, Concepción, and . These protests were due to deep-rooted Chile 2020 Crime & Safety Report

disillusionment within the Chilean population, based on acute inequalities in income, health, education, pension funds, cost of electricity, and transport costs.

The government declared a in Santiago to for 7 days.

This has been the worst unrest for decades in this country since Chile’s return to democracy. Protestors have made demands through a mixture of violent and peaceful demonstrations, at times bringing together 1.2 million individuals in the capital’s Plaza Italia. These constant protests have produced a dramatic change in the country’s economic and political system; among these, the president has changed eight cabinet ministers, and the Deputy Secretary for the interior and Public Security resigned.

Trucks have also been set on fire. In September, there were attacks on the Subcomisaria of Carabineros of Ercilla in Malleco , and on a farm La Envidia, between and in Araucanía.

A general strike in October 2019 mobilized more than 200,000 people in Santiago, including public sector workers and various trade and services unions. Tens of thousands of students and workers mobilized and gathered in Plaza Italia and along Avenue. Protests reached nationwide, with 5-8,000 protestors in , 10,000 in Antofagasta, 40,000 in Concepción, and 60,000 in Viña del Mar. Protestors paralyzed dozens of ports throughout Chile, with thousands of port workers on strike from Arica to .

Religious/Ethnic Violence

Several protests caused damage at churches in different areas of the country, including Reñaca, , Punta Arenas, and Santiago. In the capital, there have been two attacks downtown, at the Carabineros of Chile church (San Francisco de Borja) and at the Church of the Vera Cruz on Street.

There were a number of attacks on private homes and land in the Araucanía area, as well as at the offices of forestry companies. Indigenous activists have burned a number of vehicles, nearly always leaving pamphlets in the area outlining the Indigenous fight for lands of origin.

Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

Chile is located in a highly active seismic zone both for earthquakes and for volcanic eruptions. Chile has high earthquake standards that builders generally follow; a modern building should withstand an earthquake up to 9.0. If you are in an adobe edifice (primarily in northern Chile), exit the building immediately. Before hiking volcanic mountains, be alert to signs of volcanic activity and advisories from authorities. Travel with a flashlight, a portable AM/FM or short wave radio, spare batteries, packaged snacks, and bottled water.

Forest fires have been common in the last two years in Chile. In January and February (peak summer months) there are fires nationwide, including in many holiday destinations. Pay special attention to the National Emergency Office of the Interior Ministry (ONEMI) for possible fire warnings. Chile 2020 Crime & Safety Report

There are minefields on Chile's borders with , , and in . Follow clearly identified roads and trails when in minefield areas. Consult with national park or other local officials concerning minefields.

Personal Identity Concerns

There are no legal restrictions on adult same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Chile. There have been cases of discrimination due to sexual orientation and gender identity, including cases involving violence or death. Laws also prevent transgender persons from changing gender markers on government-issued identity documents. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI+ travelers.

Many public places and transportation are not adapted to accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities. For information on handicap accessible locations in Santiago and other locations, visit the Chilean National Disability Agency (SENADIS) or MapCity.com. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.

Police Response

Police/Security Agencies

The Carabineros are the uniformed national police force with primary responsibility for crime prevention, order, and traffic control. They are one of the most professional and well-trained, and least corrupt police forces in .

The Policía de Investigaciones (PDI) is a plain-clothed investigative police agency similar to the U.S FBI. The PDI deals primarily with criminal investigations and is in charge of immigration, and responds to residential burglary investigations, cybercrime, narcotics investigations, counter terrorism, and immigration issues.

Medical Emergencies

Medical services are modern and similar to what one would find in the U.S. However, outside of Metropolitan Santiago, the level of medical care can vary greatly. Hospitals with ambulance services and pharmacies exist in great numbers in Santiago. You must have a doctor’s prescription to obtain certain medicines, such as antibiotics.

For medical assistance, refer to the Embassy’s Medical Assistance page.

Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance

Dengue Fever is endemic to , but is not in continental Chile.

Air pollution is a concern in many parts of Chile, including Santiago, , Talca, Chillan, Los Angeles, Temuco, , and , and is most severe in winter (May-August). Chile 2020 Crime & Safety Report

The ozone layer is especially thin over parts of Chile. Protect yourself from ultraviolet radiation.

The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Chile.

OSAC Country Council Information

The Country Council in Santiago is active, meeting annually and as needed. Interested private-sector security managers should contact OSAC’s Latin America Team with any questions.

U.S. Embassy Contact Information

Av. Andrés Bello 2800, Las Condes, Santiago

Embassy Hours: 0830 - 1700

Operator: +56 (2) 2330-3000

Website: http://cl.usembassy.gov/

Helpful Information

Before you travel, consider the following resources:

• OSAC Risk Matrix • OSAC Travelers Toolkit • State Department Traveler’s Checklist • Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) • Chile Country Information Sheet